SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

In May 2017, Zoetis announced a commitment to develop sustainable livestock production in SSA through the A.L.P.H.A. initiative and a $14.4M, three-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The A.L.P.H.A. initiative, launched in Uganda and Nigeria in 2017, followed by Ethiopia and Tanzania in 2018, will advance livestock health and productivity in SSA through increased availability of veterinary medicines and services, and the implementation of disease diagnostics infrastructure. To ensure the initiative is sustainable, Zoetis will incorporate the development of veterinary laboratory networks and outreach services into business hubs in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania.

THE A.L.P.H.A INITIATIVE HAS SEVEN OBJECTIVES:

Improved availability of veterinary medicines through novel product registrations to extend the number of veterinary treatments available for livestock diseases;

Adaptation of product packaging/volume for selected products to ensure affordability and practicality for the smallholder market;

Investment in the development of a certified local distributor network, including distributor training to ensure correct and responsible veterinary product use;

Organization of outreach services for rural communities to improve medicalization rates of livestock, and deliver community education regarding animal disease to demonstrate the potential of animal health to maximize profitability of smallholder farming.

Provision of a fully operational, sustainable diagnostic infrastructure delivered in conjunction with local partners to improve the correct diagnosis of major livestock production diseases and increase correct and responsible use of veterinary products;

Support of local veterinary stakeholders with professional development/ business training courses;

Outcomes research driven by epidemiological studies to demonstrate the return on investment of animal health for local communities, with results communicated in educational resources designed for maximum accessibility for local farmers

Throughout this initiative, Zoetis will collaborate with local stakeholders including governmental authorities, local veterinary associations, national and international NGOs, farmers associations, private sector distribution companies, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to ensure maximum positive and sustainable impact to the region.

For further information on the A.L.P.H.A. initiative, see our factsheet here.

For more information about Zoetis Corporate Social Responsibility click here (Zoetis CSR approach)

For more information about A.L.P.H.A click here (Corporate Press release about ALPHA)